The phrase "for a second did" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a momentary lapse of time, or a brief pause. For example, you can say: "I was so surprised that for a second did I forget what to say."
"Not for a second did anyone doubt that we were going to make our run and come away with the win".
Not for a second did it occur to Jagannathan that any of them would not have experienced sexual violence in some way.
"This might be a terrible thing to say, but not for a second did it cross my mind that I have to protect my child," Mr. Wolff said.
Things went wrong – they always will when a team made up largely of amateurs takes on a team full of world-class professionals – but not for a second did anyone stop trying.
Inspired by the likes of Blur, Garbage, Pulp, Placebo and even the Spice Girls, I would jot down the odd chorus or verse and not for a second did I think of myself as a poet.
It is a brave performance by Scotland, but not a wholly convincing one; apart from what sounded like a pasted-on soundtrack of native squawks and chirrups in the woodland shots, not for a second did I believe that these people were strolling through America.
Not for a second do I think our lives are in any way relatable.
"But, can I just say this: not for a second – not for a second – do I want to underestimate the feelings that people have on this issue, both for and against.
Now think about this for a second, do you think the market will be higher or lower when things have cleared up?
You don't mind if I crack a bottle and put my head under this camo blanket for a second, do you?
Not for a second do you believe that Ms. Jolie is playing someone faced with the unpleasant fact of imminent mortality.
